I was interviewed by Sally Sue Ember, whom you may have seen commenting on this very blog. Sally has very kindly asked me to participate in her live show, CHANGES on Google’s Hangout. The show lasted for an hour, and for some reason we ended up talking mostly about religions, philosophy and reincarnation…

If you missed it the event, it was recorded and uploaded to YouTube:

A big thank-you to everyone who stopped by! 🙂

Don’t forget that, for a few more days, The Power of Six will be on sale. Read seven short sci-fi stories for only 99c!

Loved it, Nicholas! Can’t believe I watched it all as I’m really pressed for time with various deadlines… We have such similar ideologies about the perception of life, I’m constantly amazed! And what you said about Dawkins? My thoughts exactly! Why strive so hard? (My father in law is a huge R. Dawkins fan). Oh, and thanks for the mention re your cover! I can’t believe you remembered! I didn’t, and when I heard my name I was momentarily “What’s he gonna say now?” LOL! Sally’s input was also great and fun yet never lost touch with the essence of the show. Great stuff, guys!

Huzzah indeed! It’s a special treat to see someone live that you only know on the page. By the way, just in case the png went into spam, I gave you a shout-out in my Tuesday post: http://wp.me/p1mFAV-2FL

I had some technical trouble – slow pc and bad lip sync so only saw bits of this.Will make sure to return and see the whole hour another time. From what I saw, you did great my friend! Loved your views on mortality that make life seem precious and fear pointless. I couldn’t aggee more. And that’s not just buddist philosophy. The theory of some of the greatest self-help/esoteric philosophy books of the early 20th century are built on this, and they were written by Americans (such as the legendary The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel or Think and Grow Rich (another legend of a book) by Napoleon Hill. Both are bibles to me. I see therefore your philosophical views expressed on this video as a positive message for any indies out there struggling with self-doubt and anxiety. Well done 🙂

It’s actually much older, as it stems from the Epicurian philosophy of “φάγωμεν, πίωμεν, αύριον γαρ αποθνήσκωμεν” (“let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we may die”).

Epicurian philosophy was largely a protest against the Platonic one, which emphasized people’s need for self-discipline. To make a point, Plato’s students would set magnificent dinners, sit down in front of the various foods and talk, then get up and throw everything away, without ever touching their food.

At the other end of the world, Zen Buddhism makes a similar point as Epicurus. You may remember my strawberry story from Pearseus. Here is the relevant quote:

“Two tigers are chasing a woman. She runs through the woods, reaching the edge of a cliff. One of the tigers is still behind her, so she climbs down a vine. She looks down and notices the other tiger waiting for her underneath. While she hangs there, a mouse comes out and gnaws on the vine. She tries to shoo it away, but it won’t go. Just then, she notices a wild strawberry growing out of the face of the cliff in front of her. She picks it and eats it; it’s the best strawberry she’s ever tasted.”

Parad pondered the story for a moment, his brow furrowed. “I’m not sure I get it…”

“It didn’t make any sense to me either, until he explained that the two tigers are birth and death. We’re born and can’t go back, and are doomed to death from the moment we come into this world. The mouse is time, gnawing away at our life. So, all we can do is make the best of it and enjoy it while it lasts.”

In another story I love, a Master is challenged to display his supernatural abilities. His reply is, “I eat when hungry and drink when thirsty. Those are my powers.”

Of course, this point of view is also deeply Christian, with numerous mentions of the vanity of this life, when in fact we should be focusing on the next one.

Before Christ, Solomon had put it succinctly, towards the end of his days: “Vanitas vanitatum and omnia vanitas”, loosely translated into “everything is in vain”.

Most see it as a negative message, but to me it’s a freeing one: since we’re all going to die eventually, it hardly matters what people think, as long as you’re happy and live in harmony with your self.

The Loukoulia dinners always struck me as the oddest thing ever. What a waste of wholesome sustenance and how sick a practice (literally). Maybe because as Greeks we love our food. Part of being a mortal as you also well put, is to enjoy every moment, the little pleasures, such as food. From all you mentioned, I always enjoy quips from Eastern philosophy best… I think it’s apt to start calling you my sage, Buddha friend now :))))

Luculus was a Roman general who became filthy rich during his campaigns. He loved food so much that he threw the most extravagant dinners for his guests. When one night there was no dinner party planned, his poor servants thought they would finally have a night off. So, his head servant asked Luculus:

“Sir, we have no guests to entertain tonight. A simple dinner, perhaps?”

To which Luculus famously replied, “Tonight, Luculus will entertain Luculus” (they ended up preparing the usual lot, as you can imagine)… 🙂

What an interesting interview Nicholas and Sally! It was wonderful to meet you, Sally for the first time, and to see you on video, Nicholas. Like Maria, although I had little time to spare I listened until the end and read the comments too. Thank you!

I know I am a day late but I finally got a chance to watch your interview. 🙂 I loved it and you were so relaxed! 🙂 I have an affinity for Greek mythology and history (studied it in university) so now I have to make room on my TBR overflowing list for your Perseus series. It sounds so fascinating. 🙂 You were so relaxed too in front of the camera. I always get so nervous. Guess that’s why I write… to escape the attention. LOL! Well done!

Lol – thank you so much for your kindness. I’m glad I came across as relaxed. In fact, my back ached afterwards (it’s where I keep all my tension) and I felt drained! 😀

My stress level jumped a notch when, towards the end, Perro (one of our cats) jumped on my lap. I had to figure out on the spot how to look at the camera while keeping him there (he enjoys strolling on my keyboard). I kept expecting a tail to show up in front of my face 😀